Cardinal Vincent Nichols said he regrets Mr Welby's absence from the conversation after the Church of England leader announced he was quitting over failures in handling an abuse scandal.

Mr Welby had warned last month, as the assisted dying Bill was being officially introduced in Parliament, of a "slippery slope" in terms of who would be eligible for such a service if it was legalised.

On November 12, Mr Welby announced he would be standing down after an independent review concluded serial abuser John Smyth might have been brought to justice had the church leader formally reported him to police more than a decade ago.

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"I am saddened to learn that King Charles is now facing a time of treatment for cancer. On behalf of the entire Catholic Community in England and Wales, I offer His Majesty our warmest wishes and assurance of steadfast prayers for his full and speedy recovery. God bless the King," Nichols, who heads the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, said in a Feb. 5 X post.

King Charles, 75, underwent treatment recently for an enlarged prostate, and an unspecified cancer was discovered during that treatment, according to a statement from Buckingham Palace.

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It will be based in the Bishops' Conference headquarters in London and have one of two penal tribunals in Liverpool.

At a Mass on Saturday, November 4, Cardinal Vincent Nichols described the new tribunal service as "a focus of practical love and service" which would "ensure that the rights and obligations of all the Christian faithful are upheld, robustly and impartially, and that justice and equality must prevail".

He added: "This is love in action."

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For more than 50 years, the Latin Mass Society has hosted this annual sung Mass, dedicated to the repose of the souls of its deceased members and benefactors.

However, plans for the celebration on 4 November were abruptly cancelled after the Diocese of Westminster informed the Latin Mass Society of the restrictions imposed by Pope Francis' 2021 motu proprio, Traditionis Custodes.

In his motu proprio, Pope Francis directed bishops to designate specific locations for the Latin Mass, excluding parish churches. Any exceptions to this rule require a dispensation from the Holy See and are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, presiding over the Diocese of Westminster, clarified that the annual Mass "is not part of the cathedral's pastoral provision for the Traditional Mass."

Nichols did not request a dispensation to continue the tradition at Westminster Cathedral.

Consequently, the Latin Mass Society relocated the Requiem Mass to Corpus Christi Catholic Church on Maiden Lane, designated as a diocesan shrine.

Despite the move, Nichols did request a dispensation for the cathedral to continue its low Mass on the first Saturday of each month.

Traditionis Custodes frustration

The Latin Mass Society spokesperson emphasised that "each Mass at the cathedral needs explicit permission under the terms of Traditionis Custodes." These monthly Masses continue pending consideration.

Traditionis Custodes however has caused frustration among faithful attendees of the Traditional Latin Mass. Roger Wemyss Brooks, a long-time Catholic who regularly attended the Traditional Latin Mass, expressed his distress stating, "Elderly Catholics like me depend upon the comfort of this annual Mass."

Edward Windsor, who had served at the annual Requiem Mass for the past five years, questioned the cardinal's decision noting that it seemed to prioritise modernism over the significance of the Mass.

Since the issuance of Traditionis Custodes, the Traditional Latin Mass has faced restrictions worldwide. Some dioceses secured temporary dispensations for certain Masses in parish churches, while others have moved Masses outside of parish churches, further highlighting the impact of the Vatican restrictions.

Sources

Catholic News Agency

CathNews New Zealand

In another first since the Reformation, the Catholic Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, will bless the new monarch at the end of the ceremony.

The service is said to reflect contemporary society and will also feature leaders from Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh communities.

Along with Cardinal Nichols, The Catholic Church will be represented by bishops from Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and the Vatican's secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who is representing Pope Francis.

The newly appointed apostolic nuncio to Great Britain, Spanish Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía, will also attend.

"The service contains new elements that reflect the diversity of our contemporary society," said Archbishop Justin Welby, spiritual leader of the Church of England.

"It is my prayer that all who share in this service, whether they are of faith or no faith, will find ancient wisdom and new hope that brings inspiration and joy."

The ceremony will also include female bishops for the first time; hymns and prayers will be sung and spoken in Welsh, Scottish Gaelic and Irish Gaelic, and English.

Public invited to say oath

For the first time in history, public participation will be a part of the ceremony, with members of the public invited to say the oath to the King out loud.

The Archbishop of Canterbury will ask those in attendance to swear allegiance to the monarch. There will be a fanfare before the Most Reverend Justin Welby leads the crowd in saying, "God Save The King," with attendees responding, "God Save King Charles. Long Live King Charles. May The King live forever."

Cardinal Nichols said: "I think it is a very remarkable moment, it is obviously something quite new."

He told Sky News "the important thing to remember" was that the new Homage of the People, which will replace the traditional Homage of Peers, was "an invitation, it is not a command."

Nichols added: "If that is what you want to do, here is your moment to express your sense of loyalty and your sense of support, and maybe prayer, for the King.

"He [the Archbishop of Canterbury] has offered a formula of words, but I take that as an offering as well.

"It is a lovely invitation, and I hope people will take it up in their own way to express what hopefully is in their hearts, that they wish King Charles God's blessing and they wish him well in his spirit of service which he brings to this coronation."

After the coronation ceremony, a joint greeting from other religions will also be read. According to the programme representatives of Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism will greet Charles III as "neighbours in faith."

Sources

The Tablet

AP News

America Magazine

Sky News

Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster's inclusion was the first time for hundreds of years a Catholic cardinal or bishop has had a role in a royal funeral.

Nichols is the president of the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales.

He was one of a number of non-Anglican Christian leaders asked to lead the congregation in prayers during the state funeral last week.

In his prayer, Nichols expressed thanks for the monarch's "commitment to the Commonwealth throughout her reign". He prayed for a "spirit of mutual honour and respect" and for figures in authority to "promote justice and the common good".

At the funeral, Archbishop Leo Cushley represented the Catholics of Scotland and Archbishop Mark O'Toole represented Catholics in Wales.

The Vatican's Liverpool-born foreign minister, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, represented Pope Francis.

Since the 18th century, all British monarchs have been obliged, under oath, to be Anglicans. They vow to discharge the office of the supreme governor of the Church of England.

Queen Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Philip, were interested in ecumenism. They welcomed St John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI to the UK.

During a recent reception for religious leaders at Buckingham Palace, King Charles signalled he would continue to pursue dialogue.

He said he recognised his "duty to protect the diversity of our country, including by protecting the space for faith itself and its practice through the religions, cultures, traditions and beliefs to which our hearts and minds direct us as individuals.

"The beliefs that flourish in, and contribute to, our richly diverse society differ. They, and our society, can thrive only through a clear collective commitment to those vital principles of freedom of conscience, generosity of spirit and care for others which are, to me, the essence of our nationhood.

"I am determined, as King, to preserve and promote those principles across all communities, and for all beliefs, with all my heart."

Commentators predict that the new King's coronation next year is likely to include members of non-Anglican churches. Other faiths may also be included for the first time.

Source

• National Catholic Reporter

The cardinal, president of the English and Welsh bishops' conference, said many people in the UK would be facing the choice between "heating and eating" this winter because of rampant inflation and soaring fuel bills.

Conservative Party members chose Truss (pictured) as party leader on 5 September. She automatically became prime minister without a general election because the Conservatives have a majority in the House of Commons.

In a statement published on 5 September on the Diocese of Westminster website, Nichols urged Truss to give the needs of the poorest people her immediate attention.

"The principle of serving the common good means that the needs of the poorest in society must be given urgent attention," the cardinal said.

"Catholics are present in every local community, seeking to contribute constantly to the support of those in need.

"So we are well aware of the dramatic impact this crisis is having, with many people knowing they face choices between ‘heating or eating', especially as winter approaches.

"The affluence to which our society has become accustomed seems to be seeping away," Nichols said.

The cost of living crisis has been caused by a variety of factors, including damage to the UK economy caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of the war in Ukraine on fuel bills.

It has meant that inflation has risen by nearly 9% in the 12 months leading to July, according to government data. Further increases are expected in the coming months.

The crisis has led to warnings that many elderly and the poor will no longer be able to pay their mortgages, rent or fuel bills. Some are concerned they may not be able to afford sufficient food to meet their needs.

Cardinal Nichols said Catholic parishes and agencies would do their best to ensure that no one is "cast aside or discounted" in the "firm conviction of the inherent dignity of every person".

"The spiritual needs of the poor and their special gifts should never be forgotten," he added.

Sources

Catholic News Service

Vatican News

Diocese of Westminster

CathNews New Zealand

Nazir Afzal, a practicing Muslim, served as the Chief Crown Prosecutor for North West England from 2011-2015 and chief executive of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners from 2016-2017.

Afzal has prosecuted numerous high profile criminal cases and consulted on legal matters in areas including violence against women and girls, child sexual abuse, and so-called "honour" killings.

"Mr Afzal brings to this role the freshness and vast experience required in order to make the establishment of the CSSA a truly significant step change in the work of Safeguarding in the Catholic Church," said Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster.

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The holy day of prayer and fasting is one of the highest contact observances on the liturgical calendar. It takes place on 17 February this year.

Many churches mark the beginning of the penitential season of Lent with clergy marking the sign of the cross on congregants' foreheads with ashes. The ashes are remnants from the burning of palm fronds from the previous year's Palm Sunday celebrations.

The practice presents a problem when health experts fighting COVID-19 have advised people to avoid touching their faces or coming close to others.

Ahead of the beginning of Lent, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments published a note detailing how Catholic priests are to distribute ashes. It says:

• The priest blesses the ashes and sprinkles them with holy water in silence.
• He then addresses those present, reciting once the formula found in the Roman Missal. He says "Repent, and believe in the Gospel" or "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return".
• The priest then "cleanses his hands and puts on a face mask. He will distribute ashes to those who come to him. Or, if appropriate, he goes to those who are standing in their places."
• He then sprinkles the ashes on each person's head "without saying anything."

The Pope's Ash Wednesday plans have also been impacted.

Pope Francis will celebrate Ash Wednesday Mass in St. Peter's Basilica. This is in place of making the traditional walk from the Church of St. Anselm to the Basilica of Santa Sabina on Rome's Aventine Hill.

Because of ongoing concerns about drawing a crowd and the potential that could have for spreading the coronavirus, the Mass and distribution of ashes will take place with a congregation of about 100 people at the Altar of the Chair.

In the UK, the Church in England and Wales is preparing to celebrate Ash Wednesday under unprecedented circumstances. Catholics are being urged to stay at home and bless one another with the sign of the cross to mark the beginning of Lent.

Speaking to churchgoers in London, where the South African variant of the coronavirus has been detected in several boroughs, Cardinal Vincent Nichols said: "My suggestion is this: celebrate Ash Wednesday at home, with your family, in the household or ‘support bubble' of which you are a part."

The Rev. Stacy Gahlman-Schroeder of Norway Grove Memorial Lutheran Church in DeForest, Wisconsin, plans to stand in the church parking lot throughout the day, dipping disposable Q-tips into the ashes, rather than her finger, or offering a blessing, if it's preferred.

Sources

Vatican News

The Tablet

Religion News

America Magazine

The guidelines, Pastoral Standards and Safe Practices in the Conduct of Ministry, sent to every bishop, secular and religious priest and deacon, set out how to guard against abuse and recognise it when it occurs.

"Our Lord declares that one of the gravest sins is to cause one of his ‘little ones' to stumble, to cause them to lose faith. The sexual abuse of a child or an adult at risk constitutes this gravest of sins," the document states.

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All places of worship must end acts of collective worship. There are exceptions - for limited-attendance funeral ceremonies, to broadcast acts of worship, for individual prayer, for formal childcare/school and for essential voluntary and public services, eg food banks.

The president and vice-president of the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, Cardinal Vincent Nichols and Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP, say it is a "source of deep anguish" to again have a ban on public communal worship.

"Whilst we understand the many difficult decisions facing the Government, we have not yet seen any evidence whatsoever that would make the banning of communal worship, with all its human costs, a productive part of combating the virus. We ask the Government to produce this evidence that justifies the cessation of acts of public worship," they said in a joint statement.

The latest lockdown, which begins on Thursday, will bring "hardship, distress and suffering to many," Nichols and McMahon say.

"We must hope and pray that this is an effective strategy against a growing pandemic which has tragically taken so many lives already and threatens so many more."

While accepting that to counter the virus, the country will need to make sustained sacrifices for several months, Nichols and McMahon point out critical service towards the common good is created and sustained by communal worship and prayer.

This is reflected in the role faith communities play in sustaining personal, spiritual and mental health and encouraging vital charitable activities, they say. These activities include supporting hundreds of thousands of people in all sections of the community, especially the most vulnerable.

"Part of this selfless giving has been a strong ethic of responsibility in the way in which we have reopened our churches so that essential worship has been enabled. Our communities have done a great deal to make our churches safe places in which all have been able to gather in supervised and disciplined ways."

If the Government expects the country to make sacrifices to help reduce COVID-19s spread, the Government has a profound responsibility to show why it has taken particular decisions, Nichols and McMahon say.

"Not doing so risks eroding the unity we need as we enter a most difficult period for our country."

Catholic Union President, Sir Edward Leigh MP is among the senior Catholic laity objecting to the latest lockdown restrictions.

"This is an extremely regrettable step. Catholic parishes and individual volunteers have gone to great lengths and given up many hours to make churches safe...

"These new measures are particularly frustrating as we've seen no evidence that people meeting for church services are contributing to the spread of the virus in this country...

"In the absence of evidence that such services have been a significant source of transmission of the virus, outlawing religious services is a disproportionate response to the pandemic which will increase the suffering of many ordinary people."

Source

• The Tablet
• Image: Catholic News World

The head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales says the way people learn about the past needs an overhaul.

Nichols says he has "spent time listening to people" and learned that the images from America of George Floyd's death "brings back floods of memories for many black people, so I can understand how that can be a traumatic moment."

"Everybody's history is full of ambiguities."

The UK must "teach history in a less selective way" if we are to tackle the debate head on in the future, he says. "We can't hide our history, we need to approach it with an openness and balance."

Nichols says he is aware of racism in the UK today through sharing conversations with black people in his home of Liverpool. "They do experience a different administration of justice than someone like me." This must stop, he says.

The absence of teaching about the colonial past still reflects in the modern day.

"There are millions of slaves in the world today," he says. He believes this is because there is no intensive teaching of slavery in British schools.

"It's how the past relates to the present." If the UK have addressed slavery and racism effectively in the past, we may be witnessing less hostile scenes now, he says.

Nichols is urging the public to open up dialogue and learn from each other.

"We have a chance to listen to the upsurge of indignation and outrage that's sparked by that killing on the streets and we really have to listen to all the echoes of that," he says.

Source

• LBC
• Image: Egypt Independent

The Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster, Vincent Nichols, and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, both oppose Israel's plans for Israeli armed forces to unilaterally annex parts of the West Bank.

The proposed annexations, which will begin next month, were promised by the Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu during his election campaign.

Nichols' and Welby's letters followed a statement leaders of Holy Land churches made on 7 May, warning that the proposed action would "bring about the loss of any remaining hope for the success of the peace process."

Thirteen Christian leaders, including the heads of the local Greek Orthodox, Catholic and Coptic churches signed the 7 May statement.

The UK church leaders say they "support the fundamental right of Israel's citizens to live in peace and safety." At the same time, they think this will only be possible through a negotiated peace.

Both Israelis and Palestinians must live without violence or the threat of violence, the Welby and Nichols stress.

Humanitarian organisations and the international community have also criticised the proposed annexations.

A particularly controversial aspect of the plans has been Netanyahu's promise that Palestinian living in annexed areas would not be eligible for Israeli citizenship or residence rights.

Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967. However, commentators say an official take-over of the region could inflame tensions across the Middle East.

Palestinian leaders are concerned, saying the moves would void existing security arrangements and treaties between the two nations. Neighbouring countries like Jordan have suggested annexations could spark a much wider conflict.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the situation in Israel and Palestine, as it is undermining economic and social stability in both nations.

Source

• The Tablet
• Image: Anglican Communion News

At the moment places of worship in England and Wales come under step three of the government's recovery strategy. This means they will not be allowed to reopen until 4 July at the earliest.

Nichols says Catholic churches should be allowed to open for individuals wanting to pray privately in preference to places of worship in which large numbers of people gather.

"The issues of how people are able to practice their faith are profound and sensitive, and we'd like a bit more sensitivity from the government," said on a radio broadcast.

Although the Catholic church has been creative in moving mass and other services online since the lockdown, "there is a big, big feeling in the religious communities of wanting to get back to a fuller practice of their faith as long as we can do it safely," Nichols says.

"I'd like to see churches available for people to go and kneel and say their prayers privately, individually and it would mean a routine of supervision, a routine of social distancing, a routine of cleansing - and all of that we believe we can do."

The government "needs an understanding that what goes on in places of worship is quite different from one to another", Nichols says.

"A personal, individual prayer in a Catholic church is not something that is much done in Pentecostal churches which tend to concentrate on big gatherings. It's not what's done in mosques, where people pray side by side. So we need a bit of differentiated thinking."

If he were to use the analogy of sport, Nichols says while it's OK to play tennis with your family, it will soon be OK to have a kick around with your mates in the park. However, it will be quite a time before we can go to formal football matches.

"It's all sport, but we need to differentiate," Nichols says. "We're talking about the practice of faith but we also need to differentiate."

The Catholic church had prepared detailed proposals on how to start the process of reopening churches "step by step", Nichols says.

These plans take into account that although hundreds of thousands of Catholics watched online Masses, they all want to receive holy communion,

"It's a fast for us, quite a painful fast - and that's true for other faiths."

The sacrifice Muslims had to make when they were unable to go to mosques during Ramadan was also a deep spiritual sacrifice, he concludes.

Source

• The Guardian
• Image: Premier Christianity

This week it revealed to The Tablet that it is considering holding an inquiry into Westminster archdiocese, in the light of damaging evidence that has emerged about its handling of cases of child sexual abuse and its aftermath.

Details were revealed at the hearings of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) of survivors who felt they were unsympathetically treated by the diocese's safeguarding team and their concerns not taken seriously. Continue reading

The lawyers, Richard Scorer of Slater and Gordon, and David Enright of Howe and Co, made the call in a letter to The Tablet.

In the letter, they say 'the Catholic Church' is failing its safeguarding responsibility and the way it treats survivors of sexual abuse.

They are particularly damning about Nichols' dual roles as leader of the Westminister archdiocese and president of the Bishops' Conference.

In their letter, Scorer and Enright state witnesses have described safeguarding in the Westminster diocese as dysfunctional and unsafe.

They also accuse the archdiocese of having a disdain for survivors.

Scorer and Enright say the responsibility for all this lies with the Nichols' leadership; the buck stops with him.

"The charge sheet against Cardinal Nichols is a long one."

"Having failed in his leadership roles in both Birmingham and Westminster, he cannot credibly lead the Catholic Church on these issues in the future."

"The systemic problems in the Catholic Church in relation to safeguarding are not capable of resolution by a single individual. But the Church needs leaders who command respect on these issues; Cardinal Nichols does not."

"It is clear to us, and those we represent, that the time has come for him to step down."

Scorer and Enright claims come following Nichols' lengthy evidence at last week's Independent Inquiry into child sexual abuse.

Evidence given at the hearing revealed

• the safeguarding office is under-resources
• the safeguarding office is dysfunctional with at one time the safeguarding officer and safeguarding advisor not talking to one another
• that the National Catholic Safeguarding Commission link person considered safeguarding in the Westminister archdiocese being in a "dangerous situation"
• that Westminister archdiocese was not a safe diocese
• the Commission's link person tried to meet Nichols but was blocked.

In the course of the hearing, Nichols revealed that now, some 12 years later, the implementation of the "Cumberlege Report"; an independent safeguarding review, is now only being organised.

Also revealed is that a code of conduct for clergy has taken 12 years to develop and is still not completed.

Baroness Nuala O'Loan, chair of the Catholic Council for Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse responded saying that it was wholly inappropriate to comment publicly while the hearing continued."

"In due course the Chair and Panel will prepare a careful and balanced report and it is wholly inappropriate to pre-empt that in any way which would undermine the work of the Inquiry."

"It is its job to weigh up and consider the matters before it, taking into account the views of the Church before doing so. CCIICSA is concerned that this letter seeks to prevent and undermine that process," said the baroness.

Nichols came away from the hearing admitting he had failed that the archdiocese had not done enough and said there was still much to be done.

He, however, said the culture of safeguarding is "radically different" from 12 years ago, but accepted there is much much more to achieve.

Earlier in the year Nichols also gave evidence to the inquiry in relation to his period as archbishop of Birmingham.

In its report on the archdiocese of Birmingham, published in June, the inquiry concluded that Nichols had defended the reputation of the church rather than protecting children amid allegations of sexual abuse.

The cardinal "focused too much on the reputation of the church during his tenure, rather than the welfare of children and the impacts of child sexual abuse on victims and survivors", the report says.

"Children could have been saved from abuse if the church had not been so determined to protect its own reputation above all else."

Sources

• The Tablet
• Church Times
• CathNews

"As one who has been a lifelong champion of the spiritual in everyday life, to promote understanding between faiths, and who has sought to alleviate poverty and disadvantage through his charitable work, the Prince of Wales is particularly qualified to mark the canonisation which will be such a significant and joyful moment for this country," a statement from Clarence House says.

Newman, who lived from 1801 to 1890, was a prominent member of the Oxford Movement in the Anglican church.

This movement advocated reintroducing older practices into worship.

Initially an Anglican priest, Newman converted to Catholicism in 1845.

He became a Catholic priest soon after and was created a cardinal by Leo XIII in 1879.

His hymns, poetry and theology have made a global contribution to the canon of Church.

He was also known for his work with poor communities.

When he died at the age of 89, more than 15,000 people lined the streets of Birmingham for his funeral.

Newman was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI in Birmingham during the pope's 2010 visit to the United Kingdom.

He will be the first English saint since the Forty Martyrs were canonized in 1970, and the first British saint since Scottish St. John Ogilvie in 1976.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who is the Archbishop of Westminster and president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, says he is "delighted" Prince Charles will be at the canonisation ceremony.

"Cardinal Newman's exploration of faith, depth of personal courage, intellectual clarity and cultural sensitivity make him a deeply admired follower of Christ.

"His ministry, especially among the poor, is a permanent sign of the Church's pastoral compassion and a challenge to us all today."

While the Prince of Wales has confirmed his attendance, the British Government has yet to announce who will be representing them at the canonisation.

Source

• The Tablet
• Crux Now
• Image: Catholic World Report

The accusation, 20 June, came in a government inquiry report.

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) concluded that children could have been saved had the Catholic Church not "repeatedly failed" to alert the police to allegations.

The report covers the time when Nichols was Archbishop of Birmingham.

It identifies that since the 1930s more than 130 allegations of child sex abuse were made against 78 people in the Archdiocese.

At least 13 have been convicted and three others cautioned.

The report says the true level of offending is probably much higher and "in some cases, the lack of action by the church meant that the abuser was free to continue to commit acts of child sexual abuse".

It also says that Nichols failed to prioritise the welfare of children over the reputation of the church.

The Chair of the inquiry, Professor Alexis Jay, says he is "truly shocked".

"Victims and survivors' allegations were mostly ignored for years, while perpetrators avoided prosecution.

"It is clear that the church could have stopped children being abused if it had not been so determined to protect its own reputation. We hope this report will help ensure that never happens again."

In particular the report identified a row between the Archdiocese and the Catholic Office for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults (COPCA), leading to mistrust and a poor working relationship between the two parties.

It referenced a prolonged argument regarding the identity of an anonymous priest and said Nichols should have intervened to resolve the matter.

Pointing out inadequate record keeping, survivors continue to accuse the Archdiocese as "still falling short in its child safeguarding arrangements."

"They have to get their act together. Children are inherently unsafe in that place. That's the thing that strikes terror into my heart.

"This is 2019 - I was abused 50 years ago and children are still in danger today. That can't be allowed", Peter Sanders a survivor said.

The Archdiocese of Birmingham released a statement saying: "We accept that we have failed victims and survivors of abuse and again apologise for the grievous failings we have made in the past. Apologies are just words though, if not backed up by action".

It says it will review the reports findings and noted the Archdiocese has already made changes to its practices and processes "to ensure an open and compassionate approach to victims and survivors".

Cardinal Nichols thanked IICSA for their review of the past and said that in his witness statements he addresses all the points contained in the report.

Nichols was Archbishop of Birmingham between 2000 and 2009.

Sources

• The Telegraph
• Image: BBC

"Everyone is different" and all married couples will go through periods of difficulty.

Fragility and brokenness are part of that.

Couples and families often need resources and support, Nichols said, although they should always be "on offer" and never forced.

In his address, Nichols offered a number of ways marriage preparation can help couples seeking marriage.

"On this journey one quality is very important. It is this: learning to sense how and where God is present," he said.

Couples need the Church to welcome them and to present a "clear vision" of the marriage sacrament.

The sacrament "is rooted in the love of God and is to be an expression of the faithfulness and fruitfulness of God's love and is "intertwined with the love Christ has for his Church."

It includes sacrifice, forgiveness, and healing.

"Our teaching is a rich vision that informs all that we want to share with those who are starting out on married life," he said.

Nichols said parishes can help engaged couples to embrace the Church's vision, even in the face of an increasingly secular view and focus on the wedding "industry."

Underpinning all marriage preparation should be a focus on God's call to holiness, he said.

As Pope Francis wrote in the exhortation Gaudete et exsultate, holiness can grow even through small, everyday actions - the building blocks of family life.

Nichols's advice for good marriage preparation includes expressions of solidarity with the couple, so they know they do not have to journey through engagement and married life alone.

"Those involved in leading marriage prep should also remember to be humble and to trust in God's grace, remembering that the Holy Spirit should be the first guide of the couple," Nichols said.

He urged priests to emphasise the importance of prayer, especially teaching couples to learn to pray together with scripture.

This will mean priests need to choose their words carefully, "so that the hearts of young people can be reached with the truth of marriage, also recognising that not all couples begin with the desire to go through the process of marriage preparation."

Encounters with older married couples can also be a good resource for couples engaged to be married.

Older couples may be able to help them consider their hopes and expectations for marriage, he said.

Among the topics to be included at marriage preparation discussions, Nichols suggested:

• The gift children are to parents and to the Church
• The importance of honest, thoughtful decisions on planning a family together
• The "gift of sexuality, the gift of the body"

Source

• The Tablet
• National Catholic Register
• Image: CathNews USA

Commissioner Kevin Hyland says government interference in his role in the Vatican-sponsored Santa Marta Group led to his resignation.

"At times independence has felt somewhat discretionary from the Home Office, rather than legally bestowed," his resignation letter says.

"I hope that any future incumbent can be assured the independence I am sure you intended as the author of the legislation."

Hyland was responsible for coordinating Britain's efforts to tackle modern slavery.

His role included strengthening international efforts to battle slavery-related crimes. These involve money laundering, corruption, sexual exploitation and human trafficking.

He and English Cardinal Vincent Nichols established the Santa Marta Group. The Group began as an informal network of cops and religious organisations.

The Group - which has Pope Francis's support - helps police departments work with local religious groups and non-government organisations (NGOs) to help human trafficking victims.

Hyland also helped enact Britain's Modern Slavery Act and led a global drive to end modern slavery by 2030.

Nichols, who is the Group's president says he hopes the government will "speedily" appoint a successor for Hyland.

He also hopes it will "increase its active support" for the Commission's work.

"As Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Kevin has always argued for greater resources that have often been promised," Nichols says.

"He has also argued for a more coordinated approach to combatting this terrible crime.

"I sincerely hope that his considerable experience and expertise in this field will not be lost.

"He has been dedicated to the fight against human trafficking for a number of years and, during his time in office, public awareness has grown about the extent of this terrible crime and the need to combat it on a number of different levels."

The British Parliament's Public Accounts Committee has called on the government to do more.

The Committee says Parliament needs to understand the problem of human trafficking and to develop a "coherent action" against the crime.

Source

• Crux Now
• The Tablet
• Euro News
• Image: The Times